Visitors can choose from among hundreds of plant varieties at the sale. Master Gardeners, who receive extensive University of Florida-designed training on myriad plant issues, will be on hand to provide help with plant selection and offer gardening tips.

Shoppers mull over a wide variety of options at a recent Master Gardener plant sale.
"This is like a 'one-stop shop,'" said Kevin O'Horan, communications coordinator for UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County. "You can find some great and unique plants here, make sure they're the right plants for your landscape, and get advice on keeping all your plants healthy and thriving."

The annual event draws area residents and business owners looking for plants that will beautify their landscapes, but also provides the opportunity to teach landscaping approaches that can benefit the state's ecosystems, provide haven for vital pollinators, protect water resources, and more.

Admission is free, with plant purchases available by cash or check. Proceeds from sales will benefit the Sarasota County Master Gardeners' chapter of the Friends of Sarasota County Parks.

The Florida Master Gardener program is led by the University of Florida and operated through county-level UF/IFAS Extension offices. In Sarasota County, the program supports demonstration landscapes and educational outreach projects, and operates the popular Plant Clinic help desks.